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Are ICEpower amps really that good?

Hi folks, it's getting a bit boring now, but I would like to hear your opinions about the following issue. I have the eAR ICEpower based amps (with the ASP1000 modules with built in SMPS). Some audiophiles and amp manufacturers believe they are just trash. In my opinion they are no slouch compared with the almost 8 times more expensive Accuphase A-50V stereo amp. In fact, I prefer the ICEpower amps above the Accuphase. Now I'm a bit in doubt (audiophiles are such weird creatures): are this sub $2k ICEpower amps really that good that they can compete with the $$$ Accuphase amp, or is it due to my own shortcoming (I might have some form of insidious and progressive hearing impairment) or is it just imagination? If the ICEpower amps are really that good, what's the point of buying $$$ amps? Btw, I have Dunlavy SC-V loudspeakers.

Chris
dazzdax
boa2's avatar
boa2
1,551 posts
 
Hack writes: I listened to several ICE amps in a variety of set-ups, to my ears they didn't seem to have the current to handle transients well. Very linear, uninvolving sound to 'em.

Muralman1 responds: Hack, you are describing the H2O.

Are you sure you meant to say that, Vince? (Muralman1)
muralman1
1,527 posts
 
Hi Boa, this is what I agree with:

"That's not to say they can't be improved upon, maybe a manufacturer will incorporate the ICE principles with a massive power supply and make their product more appealing to the discerning 'phile. I want to think this will be the new wave in amplification, but I suspect there's a maturation process that is (so far) in the very early stages. Stay tuned?"
dazzdax OP
599 posts
 
To Hack: Hi, so in your opinion the ICEpower based amps are seriously compromised? What is according to you the most striking about the ICEpower based amp compared to a well designed conventional power amp? Is it the insufficient rendering of harmonic overtones (sterile sounding)? Does it have a "dry" sound, lacking "air"? Is it too bland, too dull or too harsh? Doesn't it have the proper micro- and macrodynamics? Doesn't it have enough PRaT? Personally I don't know what to do (a bit confused I think): if I'm seeking for the sound that is closest to the "master tape" sound, should I use the ICEpower amps, though they are seriously compromised or should I use the Accuphase, because it is a more evolved design (solid state pure class A)?
boa2's avatar
boa2
1,551 posts
 
Thanks for the clarification, Muralman1. Sorry for my mis-read.
philnyc
162 posts
 
Hack, when you listened to the various ICEPower amps, did you try them with improved (eg. thicker gauge) power cords or any power conditioning? In my experience with the ICEPower amps from Bel Canto and NuForce (as well as some home-made amps based on ICEPower), all were significantly improved when using thicker gauge power cords instead of the stock power cord as well as power conditioning...far more than I've experienced with other power amps.

(disclaimer: I'm a Bel Canto dealer).
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